16 is commonly used in zero and half radius sinks because the thicker steel is needed when the shapes are not stamped out. Either is wonderful providing the grade of the steel itself is high quality. The percentage of nickel and chromium determines corrosion resistance. The higher the percentage, the better the grade of stainless. 304 grade stainless is comprised of 18% chrome and 10% nickel. Look for "Certified" 304 Stainless Steel.

After 21 years of use, I am replacing a white Franke composite sink, as I am removing worn laminate countertops and replacing them with quartz. I have agonized over the choice of a new sink and have done much research about them. While I love my current sink, it has developed many small cracks around the disposal drain presumably from hot oil poured into the sink. You cannot feel the cracks, they are not raised, but there is a web of them all around the drain. Of course, this has been after many years of heavy duty use. Since Franke no longer makes granite composite sinks,(which has me curious as to why they discontinued them), I am down to a choice of SS, Silgranite II, or Iron coated with enamel. After much research, most chefs and other serious cooks recommend SS sinks. In fact, many of the current sink offerings for residential use are channeling the sharp angled configurations of restaurant SS sinks. On line reviewers and the salesperson at my local plumbing supply have experienced staining and chipping with cast Iron sinks. The salesperson told me that many companies will replace them if they do chip or stain, but they only send you a new sink, the owner is responsible for the cost of installation. Some reviewers on line talk about scratches in Silgranite sinks, especially on the darker colors. One magazine editorial that reviewed sink materials even included a picture that was taken of a showroom sink that had a scratch in the bottom that would not come out when the editor tried to remove it while in the store. From my on-line research, the cracking with Silgranite seems to have been only during transport and installation, however people have written about scratches that occurred during use. Missing from the comments on this site is the type of cooking being done by those offering their opinions. There is a big difference in experience with kitchen gear between a person who makes light meals for one or two people versus a gourmet cook who executes complex multi-course meals for many guests. As for myself, the utility of a sink is a more important consideration than how it looks. If I am in the middle of preparing a complex meal, I do not want to worry that I might damage my sink if I lob a heavy skillet or pot into it!

I am sorry Tibbrix, but I do not agree with your instructions. To clean a stainless steel sink, use Barkeepers Friend on a sponge (not a scouring ball or any abrasive pad), and dry with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. From the Kohler website: - Always apply stainless steel cleaner/polish with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, working with, not across, the grain. - Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads. - Cleaners containing chloride are not recommended. If used, rinse the surface immediately to prevent corrosion. From the Franke website: Never use steel wool to clean your stainless steel sink. Persistent stains, including rust, can be removed with a variety of mild non-abrasive stainless steel cleaners such as FrankeâÂÂs Inox cream, Autosol Shine, and others. Always rinse thoroughly after using any cleaner. As a sidebar, and I am sorry to contradict Hollysprings whose posts I always think are excellent, I have had 2 Silgranit anthracite sinks in previous homes with hard water, and neither ever showed mineral spots. This is one of the leading reasons why people choose Silgranit sinks over stainless steel. This post was edited by Mrs_Nyefnyef on Mon, Sep 22, 14 at 8:42

In my business, the cabinet installer sets the farm sink or apron front sink. Then the quartz or granite (or whatever) tops are templated with the sink in place by the countertop fabrication company. Two weeks later, they set the tops....then I send out the plumber for the hookup.